What first world problem did you have today?

[shortylickens]

I think my current dental plan - which I upgraded from basic to enhanced due to work I had to have done - only covers something like $1500 or $2000 per year. That may sound like a lot, but it adds up quickly if you have to have anything above a filling and obviously won't cover things like veneers. I upgraded the insurance a couple of years ago because I had to have some work done and while it covered much of the surgery, I still had to pay around half out of pocket. I decided to get veneers and that was completely out of pocket and not cheap ($4200 for 6 teeth which was actually reasonable).

My advice? Employers are desperate for people, so look at other jobs which may have dental insurance included or for a reasonable price.

I seem to be only finding jobs (or rather getting offers from) places that dont have dental or very good dental. And most of them having me working thru a contractor for 6 months to a year and they never offer anything.

Right now its Stulz Air Conditioning but technically I work for the contractor Aerotek and I've got a year and a half before I can see any benefits packages.

 

[Red Squirrel]

I feel it's going to get harder and harder to find jobs with benifits now days. Companies are always trying to find ways to cut costs. They've kept salaries as low as people are willing to work for and can't go any lower, so now they cut elsewhere. So much greed. Their billions are never enough.

 

[rh71]

It cost me $700 to put on 2 new rear tires. 315 wide 20" look nice but they hurt!

 

[Captante]

I feel it's going to get harder and harder to find jobs with benifits now days. Companies are always trying to find ways to cut costs. They've kept salaries as low as people are willing to work for and can't go any lower, so now they cut elsewhere. So much greed. Their billions are never enough.

Unfortunately you are 100% correct.... this is why to a large degree I REALLY just don't give 2 craps anymore about paying anyone back for anything. (does not apply to individuals/small business)

A planned bankruptcy every 7-8 years after running up MAJOR debt may well become the best "financial plan" for most Americans.... would serve those corporate-scumbags right getting a taste of their own medicine.

 

[rh71]

I feel it's going to get harder and harder to find jobs with benifits now days. Companies are always trying to find ways to cut costs. They've kept salaries as low as people are willing to work for and can't go any lower, so now they cut elsewhere. So much greed. Their billions are never enough.

Especially if they're a public company, they answer to their shareholders which means revenues must appear high and trend upward year to year. Regardless of how productive an employee is, they must sacrifice (cut, bench, etc.) from there for the bottom line. I've only worked for 2 companies in 20+ years and everyday could be my last. I've already watched talented peers drop like flies for years.

 

[Captante]

Especially if they're a public company, they answer to their shareholders which means revenues must appear high and trend upward year to year. Regardless of how productive an employee is, they must sacrifice (cut, bench, etc.) from there for the bottom line. I've only worked for 2 companies in 20+ years and everyday could be my last...

Really makes it tough to find a fvck to give, doesn't it?

Afraid I've become bitter & cynical .... from experience!

 

[rh71]

Really makes it tough to find a fvck to give, doesn't it?

I'll say this - my team lead + manager have told me the only reason I'm still around is because I get shit done. Other than them, I'm the only on-shore guy left on my team. I'll still do everything I can to keep this job because I'm home full time.

 

[Captante]

I'll say this - my team lead + manager have told me the only reason I'm still around is because I get shit done. Other than them, I'm the only on-shore guy left on my team. I'll still do everything I can to keep this job because I'm home full time.

Bottom line is that we all are only "worth" the value/profit we can provide to others .... it may not a pleasant thought but it is an accurate one.

Sadly the moment the company figures out a way to get things done minus your salary they'll jump all over it in a nanosecond. (hope thats right AFTER you retire!)

 

[ponyo]

Unfortunately you are 100% correct.... this is why to a large degree I REALLY just don't give 2 craps anymore about paying anyone back for anything. (does not apply to individuals)

A planned bankruptcy every 7-8 years after running up MAJOR debt may well become the best "financial plan" for most Americans.... would serve those corporate-scumbags right.

You're messing with @highland145 business when you do that. On second thought, highland145 would probably see increased business if people started filing bankruptcy.

Having the ability to file bankruptcy and start over fresh is one of the best part about living in America. Debtors prison still exist in some parts of the world. People should take advantage of bankruptcy law if it will help them. Rich people don't have second thought about using it if it will help them. As the saying goes, if you owe the bank $100, that's your problem. You owe the bank $100 million, that's the bank's problem.

 

[highland145]

Get self employed and then bitch about HC costs.

 

[highland145]

You're messing with @highland145 business when you do that. On second thought, highland145 would probably see increased business if people started filing bankruptcy.

Having the ability to file bankruptcy and start over fresh is one of the best part about living in America. Debtors prison still exist in some parts of the world. People should take advantage of bankruptcy law if it will help them. Rich people don't have second thought about using it if it will help them. As the saying goes, if you owe the bank $100, that's your problem. You owe the bank $100 million, that's the bank's problem.

I'd rather have a bankruptcy than a thief. And most of mine I'll re open in 6 months. It's not like they're in a bunch of debt.

 

[Captante]

I'd rather have a bankruptcy than a thief. And most of mine I'll re open in 6 months. It's not like they're in a bunch of debt.

$16k deductible ?!?

I'm literally better off NOT ever working again just to hang onto my CT state insurance! (at least I live in a state that offers it!) Disgraceful that I have FAR better health coverage as an unemployed bum then even most "gold" Obamacare plans provide!

(And you wonder why I no longer have a fvck to give lol)

 

[highland145]

$16k deductible ?!?

(And you wonder why I no longer have a fvck to give lol)

And the 50% co pay after that.

 

[shortylickens]

I feel it's going to get harder and harder to find jobs with benifits now days. Companies are always trying to find ways to cut costs. They've kept salaries as low as people are willing to work for and can't go any lower, so now they cut elsewhere. So much greed. Their billions are never enough.

if every working class schmuck in America could get organized and strike at the exact same time we'd have all our labor issues solved in HOURS.

As it stands, I bet we let things deteriorate until there's chaos and people start making guillotines.

 

[Captante]

if every working class schmuck in America could get organized and strike at the exact same time we'd have all our labor issues solved in HOURS.

As it stands, I bet we let things deteriorate until there's chaos and people start making guillotines.

 

[highland145]

As it stands, I bet we let things deteriorate until there's chaos and people start making guillotines.

What's wrong with guillotines?

 

[ponyo]

$16k deductible ?!?

I'm literally better off NOT ever working again just to hang onto my CT state insurance! (at least I live in a state that offers it!) Disgraceful that I have FAR better health coverage as an unemployed bum then even most "gold" Obamacare plans provide!

(And you wonder why I no longer have a fvck to give lol)

Mine is not bad as highland. My family deductible is $13k. And 40% copay after. But the good thing is my plan is Kaiser Permanente which offers pretty good HMO services. And since my health plan is high deductible, I can contribute to separate HSA account. So I put $7,200 in HSA account recently which I'm going to try to grow to $1 million in the next 20 years. At least that's my mission and goal. I plan to have fun with it.

 

[IndyColtsFan]

I seem to be only finding jobs (or rather getting offers from) places that dont have dental or very good dental. And most of them having me working thru a contractor for 6 months to a year and they never offer anything.

Dude, please remove your employer names for your own protection.

 

[highland145]

Please remove your employer names for your own protection.

Surely they know about his proclivities by now.

 

[Captante]

Mine is not bad as highland. My family deductible is $13k. And 40% copay after. But the good thing is my plan is Kaiser Permanente which offers pretty good HMO services. And since my health plan is high deductible, I can contribute to separate HSA account. So I put $7,200 in HSA account recently which I'm going to try to grow to $1 million in the next 20 years. At least that's my mission and goal. I plan to have fun with it.

Still crazy-expensive though and even with your financial good fortune/wise investments, a forced BK due to illness is STILL not beyond the realm of possibility in our tweaked out American "healthcare" system. (here's hoping not!)

 

[ponyo]

Still crazy-expensive though and even with your financial good fortune/wise investments, a forced BK due to illness is STILL not beyond the realm of possibility in our tweaked out American "healthcare" system. (here's hoping not!)

I think my plan's out of pocket maximum cost is $13,800 so theoretically I shouldn't have to pay more than $26,800 in a year plus the monthly $1,050 premium. So $12,600 annual health insurance premium. So my maximum annual health care cost should be $39,400 all in including monthly premium, deductible, and copay. Paying $39k wouldn't be fun but it would be manageable. I view it basically as catastrophic insurance and protection for my assets so that I won't have forced BK due to illness and medical bills.

 

[highland145]

I think my plan's out of pocket maximum cost is $13,800 so theoretically I shouldn't have to pay more than $26,800 in a year plus the monthly $1,050 premium. So $12,600 annual health insurance premium. So my maximum annual health care cost should be $39,400 all in including monthly premium, deductible, and copay. Paying $39k wouldn't be fun but it would be manageable. I view it basically as catastrophic insurance and protection for my assets so that I won't have forced BK due to illness and medical bills.

Bankruptcy is only $1400 or so. You could hide the rest of the $$.

 

[ponyo]

Bankruptcy is only $1400 or so. You could hide the rest of the $$.

lol. I rather keep my money. I don't trust my dog.

 

[Captante]

I think my plan's out of pocket maximum cost is $13,800 so theoretically I shouldn't have to pay more than $26,800 in a year plus the monthly $1,050 premium. So $12,600 annual health insurance premium. So my maximum annual health care cost should be $39,400 all in including monthly premium, deductible, and copay. Paying $39k wouldn't be fun but it would be manageable. I view it basically as catastrophic insurance and protection for my assets so that I won't have forced BK due to illness and medical bills.

Bad news is that $40k is essentially a "drop in a bucket" when care for a serious illness can easily run into multi-millions by the time its over.



The only folks that have zero worry about medical costs in America are NOT Tesla-investors ... more like Tesla Musk himself and similar level super-rich folks. (the real 1%)

 

[highland145]

lol. I rather keep my money. I don't trust my dog.

What kind of shit dog do you have?